Sandra Wilson’s 1995 dissertation research was the basis for the first validating study of Shapiro’s original research. To honor Dr. Wilson, the Dissertation Award has been renamed. The publication of her dissertation research was so pivotal for EMDR therapy it seems like a fitting tribute, and, for any award recipient, an appropriate inspiration.
Eligible doctoral students may apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to support dissertation expenses related to research to study the effectiveness of EMDR in one of the following priority areas.
Areas of Priority
Eligible doctoral students may apply for a grant of up to $5,000 to support dissertation expenses related to research to study the effectiveness of EMDR in one of the following priority areas
1st Priority – Advancing Evidence-Based Practice: Increase the availability of quality EMDR research in areas where we already have a foot-hold in the literature but where more evidence is needed. Specifically, those areas are in the use of EMDR therapy to treat:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Military PTSD
- Phantom Limb Pain
- To enhance recovery from the impact of cardiac events and the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
2nd Priority – Addressing the Global Burden of Trauma: Investigate the use of EMDR in natural or man-made disaster responses, by determining the effectiveness of the following protocols: early intervention protocols, the child or adult group protocols, or the use of EMDR standard protocols in disaster response.
3rd Priority – Building Clinical Evidence: There are several areas where EMDR therapy is being used, clinical observations are positive, and there are some research indicators of success. However, more research is needed to build a body of literature in these populations or diagnostic categories, including but not limited to:
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- Addictions
- Eating disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Additional medical/somatic conditions
- Suicide prevention and to address the impact of suicide
These priorities apply to research across the lifespan so that a study might address, for example, adolescent addiction, or geriatric depression.